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Published on September 30, 2025 at 1:17:00 PM PDT September 30, 2025 at 1:17:00 PM PDTth, September 30, 2025 at 1:17:00 PM PDT
If you or someone you know has been touched by breast cancer, you’ve probably seen the breast cancer flag and pink ribbon. While there are many types of cancer, these symbols are some of the most recognizable. Thanks to progress in healthcare and raised awareness, we’re making great strides towards finding a cure.
Let’s take a closer look at the history of this meaningful symbol and explore how you can join in raising awareness and promoting prevention. Together, we can carry this cause forward — bringing attention, support, and strength to the fight against breast cancer.
What is the History of Breast Cancer Awareness?
In past decades, those facing breast cancer often kept their illness private because of stigma and limited treatment options. Thankfully, by 1985, that started to change. Before there was National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the American Cancer Society would hold a weeklong campaign.
Around the same time, former First Lady Betty Ford started sharing her story, and it became okay to talk about the disease. She was open about her battle with breast cancer and having to get a mastectomy.
When she talked, people listened. The media coverage led to more awareness. Ford was passionate about the importance of early detection and mammograms, and her efforts made preventative care part of everyday conversation.
How Did the Pink Ribbon Become a Symbol for Breast Cancer Awareness?
The history of the pink ribbon started small—just one woman named Charlotte Haley who passed out peach ribbons at her local grocery store, a small gesture that grew into a worldwide symbol of hope. Soon, her grassroots movement for breast cancer awareness had the attention of the executives at Estée Lauder and Self Magazine. They wanted to use the ribbon too, but Haley declined since she thought they were too commercial.
As a way around that, the magazine decided to make its own ribbon in a similar color. After some research, they chose pink because it was seen as comforting, healing, and soothing. Soon, the pink ribbon replaced the peach one worldwide.
Carrot-Top is proud to offer breast cancer flags. We believe in the power of prevention and believe cancer awareness is something we can all be a part of.
Why is Pink Associated with Breast Cancer?
People have used colored ribbons to bring awareness to different causes since the 1970s. For example, families tied yellow ribbons around trees to honor loved ones serving overseas.
Pink became the color of breast cancer awareness in the 90s because of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. The organization encouraged survivors to wear pink visors during its Race for the Cure events.
After Self Magazine decided to use pink for its breast cancer awareness ribbon, other companies joined in. Avon created a pink and gold enamel pin with a rose, while the Susan G. Komen Foundation created a pink ribbon brooch. Soon, pink and breast cancer became synonymous.
During breast cancer awareness month in October, you’ll see pink everywhere. From pins to race day jerseys, they’re a great reminder of the power a simple color has to unite people for a common cause.
But it’s important to remember that pink isn’t the only color to bring awareness to cancer patients and their struggle. Here are a few other common varieties:
Thyroid cancer - pink, blue, and teal ribbon
Testicular cancer and prostate cancer- light blue ribbon
Ovarian cancer and gynecological cancer - teal ribbon
Brain cancer - gray ribbon
Bone cancer - yellow ribbon
Childhood cancer - gold ribbon
Neck cancer - burgandy and ivory ribbon
Kidney cancer and leukemia - orange ribbon
Lymphoma - red ribbon
Pancreatic cancer - purple ribbon
Lung cancer - white ribbon
Colon cancer - dark blue
Stomach cancer - periwinkle ribbon
Knowing the ribbon color for each type of cancer makes it easier to support others. Each symbol of hope unites our communities under a common cause of curing this heartbreaking disease.
Why is Breast Cancer Awareness in October
Breast Cancer Awareness is held in October because the American Cancer Society launched its first campaign in October 1985. Each year, groups use this month to teach women how to screen for breast cancer. Just as important, October gives space to honor survivors, stand alongside those still in the fight, and remember those we’ve lost.
What are Some Ways I Can Support Breast Cancer Awareness?
We can all take part in breast cancer awareness and help bring attention to this important cause. A few easy ways you can get involved include:
Fundraising to raise money for breast cancer research
Participating in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure
Supporting a breast cancer patient by making meals or spending time together
You can find more exciting ways to support breast cancer awareness in our blog, "10 Effective Ideas to Spread Awareness for Breast Cancer Month." When fighting against cancer, it’s important to come together, raise awareness, and support each other. Together, we can bring attention to this important cause and find a cure, united as one.
